Other Genetic Mutations that Influence the Risk of Breast Cancer


Posted July 2, 2019 by LewisvilleCancerCare

Dr. Neeraja Dasari elaborates the genetic mutations that influence breast cancer risk, aside from the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

 
Lewisville, TX, July 2, 2019 – Family history is one of the genetic risk factors for breast cancer development. Research is ongoing to identify all the genes that increase this risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the gene mutations most known to cause breast cancer risk, but more genetic links have been discovered.

“The risk for breast cancer is high only when the genes are abnormal or mutated,” said Dr. Dasari. “When genes are abnormal, they do not perform their functions of naturally preventing cancer.”

Here are some of the other genes that influence the risk of breast cancer:

• PTEN – The PTEN (Phosphatase and TENsin homolog) gene can prevent tumor growth by helping to control the cell division rate. PTEN causes all damaged cells to destroy themselves before they turn into cancer. It also helps to group cells tightly together to block cancer from spreading.

• PALB2 – This is the third most prevalent gene for breast cancer. PALB2 (Partner and Localizer of BRCA2) works with the BRCA2 gene to help repair DNA damage and prevent the development of breast cancer. About 35% of women who have a mutated PALB2 gene are known to be diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 70.

• CDH1 – This is a tumor-suppressing gene that helps groups of body cells to stick together and form organized tissues. When CDH1 (CaDHerin 1) gene is mutated, it increases the risk of lobular breast cancer formation. CDH1 mutation can also make cancer cells to break from the tumor and spread to the rest of the body.

• CHEK2 – CHEK2 (Checkpoint Kinase 2) helps to create a protein that suppresses the growth of a tumor. If mutated, the CHEK2 gene can double breast cancer risk.

• STK11 – Known as Serine/Threonine Kinase 11, STK11 gene helps to suppress tumors. Its mutation can cause a syndrome called Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, which causes high risk for various types of cancer, breast cancer included.

“Although these gene mutations can cause inherited breast cancer, they are not very common,” continued Dr. Dasari. "Most of them do not elevate breast cancer risk as much as the BRCA genes. Genetic testing can be carried out if necessary, to look for mutations in these genes."

About Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group

The Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group has state-of-the-art facilities that offer individualized care to patients throughout North Texas. With a team of expert oncologists and other specialists on staff, the Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group treats a variety of cancers and blood disorders with an eye towards the newest advancements available in diagnostic technology and treatments.

Visit them at https://lewisvilleflowermoundoncology.com/about-us/ to know more.
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Issued By Lewisville/Flower Mound Oncology Group
Phone 972-316-4220
Business Address 500 W. MainSuite 380
Lewisville, Texas 75057
Country United States
Categories Health
Tags risk of breast cancer
Last Updated July 2, 2019